An extravagant BMW M5 Competition, among the most powerful and exclusive models from the renowned German automaker, was recently seen cruising through the streets of Cuba, leaving internet users both astonished and curious.
The footage, shared by the TikTok account @cuba_autos2, captures the striking light blue vehicle parked on a dimly lit street, with the unmistakable roar of its twin-turbo V8 engine resonating in the background.
Quickly amassing thousands of views and comments, the clip not only highlighted the rarity of such a high-end model appearing in Cuba but also sparked intrigue regarding its presence in a nation where Soviet-era cars and vintage 1950s vehicles typically dominate the roads.
“If it breaks down, where would you fix it? Where do you get the parts?” one user pondered. Another quipped, “The real issue is the gasoline... Do you think they fill it with premium?”
The BMW M5 Competition is a high-performance sports sedan boasting over 600 horsepower and a price tag exceeding $120,000 on the global market.
Its arrival in Cuba has reignited discussions about economic inequality in the country, where the average state salary barely exceeds 4,000 Cuban pesos per month, making the cost of cars and fuel unattainable for most citizens.
Although the owner of the vehicle remains unnamed, its appearance has been perceived by many as a symbol of the stark contrast between the economic elite linked to the regime and the harsh reality faced by everyday Cubans, who endure power outages, food shortages, and rampant inflation.
Economic Disparity and Luxury Cars in Cuba
Why is the presence of a BMW M5 Competition in Cuba considered unusual?
The presence of a BMW M5 Competition in Cuba is unusual because the country's automotive landscape is predominantly comprised of Soviet-era vehicles and classic cars from the 1950s. The importation and maintenance of such luxury models are also economically challenging for most Cubans.
What does the appearance of this luxury car signify for Cubans?
The appearance of this luxury car highlights the economic disparities within Cuba, symbolizing the divide between the affluent, often connected to the regime, and the average citizens who are struggling with economic hardships.